Stacked interposer structures, microelectronic device assemblies including same, and methods of fabrication, and related electronic systems

ABSTRACT

An interposer comprises a semiconductor material and includes cache memory under a location on the interposer for a host device. Memory interface circuitry may also be located under one or more locations on the interposer for memory devices. Microelectronic device assemblies incorporating such an interposer and comprising a host device and multiple memory devices are also disclosed, as are methods of fabricating such microelectronic device assemblies.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to stacked interposer structures andto microelectronic device assemblies including such stacked interposerstructures, as well as to methods of fabrication of such structures andassemblies. More particularly, embodiments disclosed herein relate toassemblies comprising stacked interposer structures, each interposercomprising a semiconductor material and incorporating interfacefunctions for mutual high bandwidth communication betweenmicroelectronic devices operably coupled to the stacked interposerstructure, to assemblies of such microelectronic devices incorporatingstacked interposer structures, to methods of fabrication of suchstructures and assemblies and to related electronic systems.

BACKGROUND

Many forms of microelectronic devices such as IC (integrated circuit)assemblies include multiple semiconductor die (also referred to hereinas “die”) or assemblies of such die physically and electricallyconnected to one another through an interposer. In some cases, suchassembly on the interposer may be termed a “Multi-Chip Package” or“MCP.” In some embodiments, the interposer may include a redistributionstructure (sometimes termed in the art a “redistribution layer” or“RDL,” as discussed further below) configured to establishinterconnections between two or more of the multiple die within theassembly, and also to facilitate electrical and mechanical attachment toother devices (for example, a printed circuit board, such as amotherboard, or other higher-level packaging).

Such an RDL may include one or more dielectric layers, each dielectriclayer supporting a level of conductive material defining conductivetraces and vias extending through the respective dielectric layer toconnect, directly or indirectly, with respective contacts on one or moresemiconductor die and/or with vias in other layers of the RDL, toredistribute the die contacts to other locations on or within theinterposer.

Interposers may be constructed with a core structure including either anon-organic material, such as a semiconductor material, such as silicon(generally termed a “silicon interposer”), or any one (or more) organicmaterials (generally termed an “organic interposer”). The term“semiconductor interposer” is used herein to identify an interposercomprising, (e.g., having a core formed of) a semiconductor material,which may be either an elemental material (such as e.g., silicon,germanium selenium, etc., as known to persons skilled in the art), or acompound semiconductor material (such as, e.g., gallium arsenide, indiumgallium arsenide, also as known to persons skilled in the art). The term“non-organic interposer” is used to identify a core formed of anon-organic material which may be, for example, a semiconductormaterial, a glass material and/or a ceramic material. For purposes ofproviding examples herein, the embodiments of disclosed semiconductorinterposers will be described in the form of silicon interposers.

Under conventional processing, organic interposers tend to be moreresilient, and therefore more resistant to cracking or other damageresulting from physical or thermal stresses. That resistance to physicalor thermal stresses is somewhat offset, however, by organic interposerstypically having a significantly different coefficient of thermalexpansion (“CTE”) from the CTE of the semiconductor die or dieassemblies attached to the interposer, thus being susceptible togenerating physical stress at the die attachment. In addition,commercially viable technology for forming organic interposersexperiences difficulty in providing line spacings of less than about10/10 μLS. This current practical limitation leaves a significantdimensional gap relative to feature spacing achievable in conventionalsilicon processing employed in fabricating state of the artsemiconductor die. As a result, current commercially viable processesfor forming organic interposers cannot match the minimum contact spacingof semiconductor die that would desirably be attached to the interposer,imposing an undesirable restriction in terms of real estate required formicroelectronic device assemblies and requiring undesirably long signalpaths.

Further, interposer performance characteristics are becoming ofincreasing importance for implementation of some high bandwidthapplications. One example of a microelectronic assembly disclosed hereinincludes high bandwidth communications between one or more highbandwidth memory (HBM) devices and a processor. While each memory devicemay be an individual semiconductor die, it is becoming increasinglycommon for each memory device to comprise a vertical stack of multiple(e.g., four, eight, twelve, sixteen, etc.) memory die interconnected bythrough silicon vias (TSVs) and inter-die conductive elements, such ascopper pillars, operably coupled to the TSVs. In some instances, thestack further includes an operably coupled logic die, which may also becharacterized as a controller or interface die. In order to obtain fullperformance benefit of such multi-die memory devices, an associatedprocessor must be able to access multiple portions of the interconnectedmemory die in parallel through high-speed parallel communicationchannels for data, command, and control signals between the processorand the multi-die memory device.

To meet design criteria for such high-speed parallel communications,including without limitation minimization of conductive trace resistanceand inter-trace capacitance, interposers are projected to requiretighter line spacing (“L/S”), of less than 5/5 μLS, and preferably onthe order of 2/2 μLS or smaller. Semiconductor interposers, for examplesilicon interposers, may be configured to provide such US capabilitysince they may be fabricated employing conventional semiconductor diefabrication methods.

While use of semiconductor material-based interposers addresses theabove issues, it is conventional as noted above, in implementation ofHBM devices to employ a discrete interface die between the stack ofmemory die of each HBM device and an interposer. Such an approachincreases fabrication and assembly costs, lengthens signal paths, andincreases height of the HBM device assembly.

In addition to the abovementioned considerations for desirability ofimplementing interposers using semiconductor (e.g., silicon) materials,utilization of semiconductor materials may also facilitate reduction incost and size of certain processor categories, for example graphicprocessing units (GPUs). It has been proposed that GPU designsmonolithically integrate cache memory in the form of static randomaccess memory (SRAM). Unfortunately, such an approach would suffer froma requirement of incorporating TSVs in the GPU, but fabrication of theSRAM cache memory requires a significantly different process sequencethan is employed in GPU fabrication. In addition, SRAM may consume anundesirable amount of real estate in the GPU due to its memory componentstructure. Other processors such as central processing units (CPUs),controllers and so-called System on a Chip (SoC) as well as other hostdevices may also suffer from a somewhat awkward integration of cachememory circuitry with processor circuitry fabrication techniques.

Embodiments of the disclosure encompass stacked interposer structures,the interposers of which may be cooperatively configured for, incombination, effectively providing such high bandwidth communicationwhile reducing fabrication and assembly costs and reducing component andassembly size. Microelectronic device assemblies incorporating suchstacked interposer structures and methods for fabricating suchassemblies may offer advantages in terms of cost reduction, higher yieldand enhanced performance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of a microelectronic assemblyincluding a host device in the form of a processor, and multiple memorydevices mounted to a stacked interposer structure according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a schematic top elevation of a microelectronic deviceassembly of FIG. 1A, including multiple memory devices and the processorsupported on and operably coupled the stacked interposer structure;

FIG. 1C is a schematic side elevation of the microelectronic deviceassembly of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B according to an embodiment of thedisclosure, depicting the components of FIGS. 1A and 1B with the stackedinterposer structure mounted to a laminate substrate having conductiveelements on an opposing side thereof for connection to higher-levelpackaging;

FIG. 1D is a schematic side elevation of the microelectronic deviceassembly of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B according to an embodiment of thedisclosure, depicting the components of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B without alaminate substrate, a lower interposed of the stacked interposerstructure having conductive elements on a side thereof opposite themicroelectronic devices for connection to higher-level packaging;

FIG. 1E is a schematic perspective view of a memory device of FIG. 1A inthe form of an HBM cube including multiple memory dice stacked on aninterface circuitry segment integrated within the interposer;

FIG. 2 is a side sectional schematic elevation of an interposercomprising a semiconductor core according to embodiments of thedisclosure;

FIGS. 3A-3C are schematic side elevation of, respectively, twocooperatively configured interposers with a semiconductor core, the twointerposers stacked together to form a stacked interposer structure, anda microelectronic device assembly comprising a memory device and a hostdevice according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 3D-3F are schematic side elevation of, respectively, twocooperatively configured interposers with a semiconductor core, the twointerposers stacked together to form a stacked interposer structure, anda microelectronic device assembly comprising a memory device and a hostdevice according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a microelectronic deviceassembly incorporating a stacked interposer structure in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a simplified cross-sectional representation of an examplesection of an embodiment of an interposer having a semiconductor coreand incorporating logic structures according to embodiments of thedisclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an electronic system incorporating amicroelectronic device assembly according to embodiments of thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One example of a proposed microelectronic device assembly to address theissues mentioned above, would comprise a host device, for example a GPU,and a memory device comprising multiple stacked memory die, for examplehigh bandwidth memory devices, all mounted to an interposer comprising asemiconductor material (e.g., silicon), which may be characterized as a“core.” The interposer would be, in turn, mounted and operably coupledto a laminate (e.g., organic) substrate for connecting themicroelectronic device assembly to higher-level packaging by, forexample discrete conductive elements in the form of balls, bumps orstuds of a metal material. The GPU would have integrated SRAM cachememory, which as noted above presents fabrication problems andnecessitates the use of TSVs in the GPU. The microelectronic deviceassembly would locate the memory device over and operably coupled to aninterface die being operably coupled to circuitry carried by theinterposer, by which circuitry memory die of the memory device wouldcommunicate with the host device. TSVs extending through the interposerwould, in turn, communicate with a laminate substrate, which mightcomprise multiple levels of circuitry separated by dielectric material,and which circuitry would be operably coupled to discrete conductiveelements on side thereof opposite the interposer for connection toexternal circuitry.

Another example of a proposed microelectronic device assembly to addressthe issues mentioned above would employ an interposer comprising a coreof semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) with RDLs on opposing sidesthereof, each RDL having multiple (e.g., four or more) layers ofconductive traces to accommodate the high-speed, high-capacity signalrequirements of HBM designs and, specifically HBMx (also termed HBM2,HBM 2e, HBM3 and HBM4) designs, incorporating a stack of memory (i.e.,DRAM dice) and a host in the form of a graphics processor unit (GPU) orcentral processor unit (CPU). Applications for such proposed designswould include graphics, client, server, network and high performancecomputing. However, fabrication of a silicon interposer bearingback-to-back RDLs presents issues in terms of process cost andcomplexity and quality control.

Semiconductor (e.g., silicon) interposer structures comprising multiplestacked interposers are disclosed, as well as microelectronic deviceassemblies including such interposer structures, and methods offabricating such assemblies.

The following description provides specific details, such as sizes,shapes, material compositions, and orientations in order to provide athorough description of embodiments of the disclosure. However, a personof ordinary skill in the art would understand that the embodiments ofthe disclosure may be practiced without necessarily employing thesespecific details. Embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced inconjunction with conventional fabrication techniques employed in theindustry. In addition, the description provided below does not form acomplete process flow for manufacturing an HBM device, a siliconinterposer structure, a GPU, CPU or other processor, or amicroelectronic device assembly including HBM devices, a GPU, CPU orother processor and a silicon interposer structure. Only those processacts and structures necessary to understand the embodiments of thedisclosure are described in detail below. Additional acts to form acomplete HBM device, silicon interposer structure, GPU, CPU or otherprocessor, or a microelectronic device assembly including the foregoingmay be performed by conventional fabrication processes known to those ofordinary skill in the art in the semiconductor and electronics industry.

Drawings presented herein are for illustrative purposes only, and arenot meant to be actual views of any particular material, component,structure, device, or system. Variations from the shapes depicted in thedrawings as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/ortolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments described herein arenot to be construed as being limited to the particular shapes or regionsas illustrated, but include deviations in shapes that result, forexample, from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated ordescribed as box-shaped may have rough and/or nonlinear features, and aregion illustrated or described as round may include some rough and/orlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles between surfaces that areillustrated may be rounded, and vice versa. Thus, the regionsillustrated in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes arenot intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and do notlimit the scope of the present claims. The drawings are not necessarilyto scale.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,”“characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive oropen-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements ormethod acts, but also include the more restrictive terms “consisting of”and “consisting essentially of” and grammatical equivalents thereof. Asused herein, the term “may” with respect to a material, structure,feature or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use inimplementation of an embodiment of the disclosure and such term is usedin preference to the more restrictive term “is” so as to avoid anyimplication that other, compatible materials, structures, features andmethods usable in combination therewith should or must be, excluded.

As used herein, the terms “longitudinal,” “vertical,” “lateral,” and“horizontal” are in reference to a major plane of a substrate (e.g.,base material, base structure, base construction, etc.) in or on whichone or more structures and/or features are formed and are notnecessarily defined by earth's gravitational field. A “lateral” or“horizontal” direction is a direction that is substantially parallel tothe major plane of the substrate, while a “longitudinal” or “vertical”direction is a direction that is substantially perpendicular to themajor plane of the substrate. The major plane of the substrate isdefined by a surface of the substrate having a relatively large areacompared to other surfaces of the substrate.

As used herein, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “bottom,” “above,” “over,” “upper,” “top,” “front,” “rear,”“left,” “right,” and the like, may be used for ease of description todescribe one element's or feature's relationship to another element(s)or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Unless otherwise specified,the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the materials in addition to the orientation depicted inthe figures. For example, if materials in the figures are inverted,elements described as “over” or “above” or “on” or “on top of” otherelements or features would then be oriented “below” or “beneath” or“under” or “on bottom of” the other elements or features. Thus, the term“over” can encompass both an orientation of above and below, dependingon the context in which the term is used, which will be evident to oneof ordinary skill in the art. The materials may be otherwise oriented(e.g., rotated 90 degrees, inverted, flipped) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise.

As used herein, the terms “configured” and “configuration” refer to asize, shape, material composition, orientation, and arrangement of oneor more of at least one structure and at least one apparatusfacilitating operation of one or more of the structure and the apparatusin a predetermined way.

As used herein, the term “substantially” in reference to a givenparameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree thatone of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the givenparameter, property, or condition is met with a degree of variance, suchas within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By way of example,depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition that issubstantially met, the parameter, property, or condition may be at least90.0% met, at least 95.0% met, at least 99.0% met, or even at least99.9% met.

As used herein, “about” or “approximately” in reference to a numericalvalue for a particular parameter is inclusive of the numerical value anda degree of variance from the numerical value that one of ordinary skillin the art would understand is within acceptable tolerances for theparticular parameter. For example, “about” or “approximately” inreference to a numerical value may include additional numerical valueswithin a range of from 90.0 percent to 110.0 percent of the numericalvalue, such as within a range of from 95.0 percent to 105.0 percent ofthe numerical value, within a range of from 97.5 percent to 102.5percent of the numerical value, within a range of from 99.0 percent to101.0 percent of the numerical value, within a range of from 99.5percent to 100.5 percent of the numerical value, or within a range offrom 99.9 percent to 100.1 percent of the numerical value.

As used herein the terms “layer” and “film” mean and include a level,sheet or coating of material residing on a structure, which level orcoating may be continuous or discontinuous between portions of thematerial, and which may be conformal or non-conformal, unless otherwiseindicated.

As used herein, the term “substrate” means and includes a base materialor construction upon which additional materials are formed. Thesubstrate may be a semiconductor substrate, a base semiconductor layeron a supporting structure, a metal electrode, or a semiconductorsubstrate having one or more materials, layers, structures, or regionsformed thereon. The materials on the semiconductor substrate mayinclude, but are not limited to, semiconductive materials, insulatingmaterials, conductive materials, etc. The substrate may be aconventional silicon substrate or other bulk substrate comprising alayer of semiconductive material. As used herein, the term “bulksubstrate” means and includes not only silicon wafers, but alsosilicon-on-insulator (“SOT”) substrates, such as silicon-on-sapphire(“SOS”) substrates and silicon-on-glass (“SOG”) substrates, epitaxiallayers of silicon on a base semiconductor foundation, and othersemiconductor or optoelectronic materials, such as silicon-germanium,germanium, gallium arsenide, gallium nitride, and indium phosphide. Thesubstrate may be doped or undoped.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,”“characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive oropen-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements ormethod steps, but also include the more restrictive terms “consistingof” and “consisting essentially of” and grammatical equivalents thereof.

As used herein, the term “may” with respect to a material, structure,feature or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use inimplementation of an embodiment of the disclosure and such term is usedin preference to the more restrictive term “is” so as to avoid anyimplication that other, compatible materials, structures, features andmethods usable in combination therewith should or must be excluded.

The following description and the drawings sufficiently illustratespecific embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to practicethem. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical,process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodimentsmay be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments.Embodiments set forth in the claims encompass all available equivalentsof those claims.

As described in more detail below, the specification describes variousembodiments of a stacked interposer structure comprising multiple,vertically stacked interposers. Embodiments include variousconfigurations of stacked interposers, each interposer of a stackincluding a semiconductor core, such as a silicon core and bearing aredistribution structure on one side thereof. In embodiments, theredistribution structures include multiple individual redistributionlayers. The multiple individual redistribution layers may beimplemented, in some embodiments, to provide high bandwidthcommunication capability between microelectronic devices connectedthrough the interposers.

Additionally, the specification describes incorporation of circuitelements, including active and passive circuit elements that may beformed in an interposer. In some embodiments, the active and passivecircuit elements will be formed at least in part in the semiconductorcore. In some examples, circuit elements may have one or more bodiesformed within the semiconductor core and one or more bodies formed inmaterial structures formed over the semiconductor core.

Referring now to the drawings in more detail, and particularly to FIGS.1A-1E, FIG. 1A depicts a simplified representation of an embodiment of amicroelectronic device assembly 100 including a processor 102 andmultiple memory devices 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, connected to an assemblyof stacked interposers 106A and 106B, each interposer 106A and 106Bcomprising semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) in accordance with oneor more of the configurations described herein.

As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, processor 102 may beany of multiple configurations of a processor (e.g., a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a controller),a system on a chip (SoC), or some other form of host device. Memorydevices 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D may be of the same or different forms;and any of the memory devices may be either a single die or a stack ofinterconnected memory die, as discussed in more detail in reference toFIG. 1E. The representation of FIG. 1A depicts each memory device 104A,104B, 104C, 104D as a stack of multiple memory die 108A-108H. In someembodiments, the memory devices 104A-104D coupled to stacked interposers106A and 106B may all be of comparable heights. Non-limiting examples ofexisting memory devices 104A-104D include JEDEC-standard HT3M memorydevices and Hybrid Memory Cube (HMC) memory devices, both RBM and HMCassemblies comprising multiple, vertically stacked DRAM die. However,HMC memory devices employ a TSV-equipped logic die, whereas HBM memorydevices do not.

The processor 102 may exchange information with one or more of memorydevices 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D using signals communicated over signalpaths formed at least in part within and between interposers 106A and106B. Such signal paths include a path that a message or transmissionmay take in communicating from a transmitting component to a receivingcomponent. In some cases, a signal path may be a conductor coupled withat least two components, where the conductor allows electrons to flowbetween the at least two components. In some cases, the signal path maybe formed at least in part in a wireless medium as in the case forwireless communications (e.g., radio frequency (RF) or optical). In someexamples, stacked interposers 106A and 106B will be coupled to anexternal structure, such as a package substrate, a motherboard, etc., toform part of a larger system.

In some applications, microelectronic device assembly 100 may benefitfrom a high-speed connection between the processor 102 and one or moreof memory devices 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D. As a result, in some examples,one or more of memory devices 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D will supportapplications, processes, or processors that have multiple terabytes persecond (TB/s) bandwidth needs. Such applications may include aserializer/deserializer (“SerDes”) between the memory and a processor orother logic devices requiring high bandwidth. Satisfying such abandwidth constraint within an acceptable energy budget may posechallenges in certain contexts.

The memory devices 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D and interposers 106A and 106Bmay be configured such that the signal path between memory cells in thememory devices 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D and the processor 102 are as shortas the material properties, operating environment, component layout, andapplication allow. For example, the memory devices 104A, 104B, 104C,104D may be bufferless memory devices with a point-to-point connectionbetween the host device and the memory array. In other examples, thedata channels coupling a memory device 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D with theprocessor 102 may comprise a point-to-many configuration, with one pinof the processor 102 coupled with corresponding pins of at least twomemory arrays (which may be located in the same or different memory die108A-108H, and/or memory devices 104A-104D).

Many interposers may be formed to have multiple arrays of contactsconfigured to interconnect with each of multiple devices (such as, inthe example of FIG. 1A, processor 102 and memory devices 104A-104D). Forpurposes of the present description, each of the depicted devices iscoupled to interposer 106A at a respective mounting site; and at eachmounting site interposer 106A includes one or more arrays of contactsarranged and configured to engage complementary arrays of contacts oneach of processor 102 and memory devices 104A-104D). A second interposer106B is stacked under interposer 106A, and functions in cooperation withinterposer 106A as a unit for signal communication between processor102, memory devices 104A-104D, and higher-level packaging.

FIG. 1B depicts a top elevation of one implementation of themicroelectronic device assembly 100 of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C depicts aschematic side elevation. As shown, memory devices 104A-104D are locatedat peripheral sites on interposer 106A on laterally opposing sides ofprocessor 102, in this instance comprising, for example, a GPU.Optionally, and as shown in broken lines in FIG. 1B within theboundaries of processor 102, cache memory in the form of SRAM 140 hasbeen fabricated over an active surface of the silicon of interposer 106Ato reside under processor 102 and operably couple processor 102 tomemory devices 104A-104D through circuit traces of a Back End of Line(BEOL) structure B (FIG. 1C) carried by interposer 106A over the activesurface of the silicon to memory devices 104A-104D and to circuitryexternal to microelectronic device assembly 100 through cooperativelyconfigured and operably coupled interposer 106B. However, such a memoryconfiguration is not essential to implementation of embodiments of thepresent disclosure, and cache memory may, as noted, above, beincorporated in the GPU or reside under the GPU. BEOL structure Bcomprises multiple layers, each comprising a dielectric material and alevel of conductive traces, the various conductive levels beingvertically interconnected, as known to those of ordinary skill in theart, and may function as a redistribution structure as further describedbelow. Also as shown in FIG. 1B in broken lines adjacent the boundariesof each memory device 104A-104D, interface circuitry segments 120A-120Dhave been fabricated over the active surface of the silicon ofinterposer 106A to reside, respectively, immediately below locations ofeach of memory devices 104A-104D and operably couple memory devices104A-104D to processor 102 through conductive traces of BEOL structureB. Circuitry of interposer 106A is operably coupled to circuitry ofinterposer 106B which, in turn, may, optionally, be coupled to circuitryof laminate substrate 106L through TSVs extending through interposers106A and 106B, circuitry of laminate substrate 106L being operablycoupled to discrete conductive elements 110 for connection tohigher-level packaging. Interposer 106B includes a redistributionstructure fabricated by BEOL processing and comprising multipleredistribution layers (RDLs), each RDL comprising a dielectric materialand a level of conductive traces, the conductive traces being operablycoupled to conductive paths of BEOL structure B through TSVs.

FIG. 1D depicts a side elevation of another implementation of themicroelectronic device assembly 100 of FIG. 1A. As depicted in FIG. 1D,a laminate substrate is omitted from the assembly, in lieu of which,interposer 106B is operably coupled to discrete conductive elements 110for connection to higher-level packaging. Each interposer 106A, 106Bincludes a redistribution structure RS comprising multipleredistribution layers (RDLs), each RDL comprising a dielectric materialand a level of conductive traces. In one embodiment (not indicated inFIG. 1D), the redistribution structure RS of interposer 1069 faces awayfrom interposer 106A, and carries discrete conductive elements 110 onunder-bump metallization (UBM) as is known to those of ordinary skill inthe art. In another embodiment and as shown in FIG. 1D, theredistribution structure RS of interposer 106B faces interposer 106A,and discrete conductive elements 110 for connection to higher-levelpackaging are operably coupled to TSVs extending from the redistributionstructure RS through the core of semiconductor material of interposer106B for connection to higher-level packaging.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A through 1D, it will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art that optional placement of cache memory inthe form of SRAM in close proximity to, and immediately below the GPUreduces signal length and latency while relieving the GPU of SRAM whichwould otherwise consume valuable real estate and simplifying theprocessor design.

FIG. 1E depicts an example memory device 118 suitable for use inmicroelectronic device assembly 100 of FIG. 1A as memory devices104A-104D. Memory device 118 includes, as an example, eight individualmemory die 108A-108H that are vertically stacked and interconnected. Asnoted previously, memory device 118 may include only a single memorydie, or any other number of stacked memory die for example, two memorydie, four memory die, and/or more than eight memory die, for exampletwelve, sixteen, thirty-two or sixty-four memory die.

One example structure for forming the vertical interconnections includesmultiple through silicon vias (“TSVs”). Though the term “through siliconvias” (“TSVs”) taken literally suggests vias that extend through asilicon body, the term is conventionally used in the art to refer tovertical interconnects extending through not only silicon, and not onlysemiconductors, but to vertical interconnects extending through othermaterials as well. The term is used herein in this broader meaning, andas used herein does not imply that the described vias may extend onlythrough a silicon body.

Each memory die 108A-108H includes multiple memory cells that areprogrammable to store different logic states. For example, each memorycell may be programmed to store one or more logic states (e.g., a logic‘0’, a logic ‘1’, a logic ‘00’, a logic ‘01’, a logic ‘10’, a logic‘11’). The memory die may use one or more of different storagetechnologies to store data including DRAM, SRAM, ferroelectric RAM(FeRAM), Resistive RAM (RRam or ReRAM), phase change memory (PCM), 3DXPoint™ memory, NAND flash memory, NORflash memory, or other memorytechnologies known to persons skilled in the art, and/or a combinationthereof.

In a memory device such as 118, all of the stacked memory die mayimplement a first memory technology (e.g., DRAM); or alternatively oneor more of the stacked memory die may include memory cells of adifferent storage technology different from the first memory technology.Alternatively, any of the above types of memory devices may be stackedin combination within memory device 118.

Additionally, memory device 118 depicts a configuration in which thestacked memory die are stacked above an interface circuitry segment120A-120D of interposer 106A. Interface circuitry segment 120 can be anyof many different configurations, and when present, may implement logicfunctions relating to operation or management of the memory die of amemory device 104A-104D stacked on an associated interface circuitrysegment 120A-D. The interface circuitry segment 120A-120D interfaceswith other circuitry of interposer 106A and interposer 106B, and withprocessor 102 through BEOL structure B (FIG. 1C). In some embodiments,the lowermost memory die 108A will include contacts 126 which may, forexample, comprise conductive pillars or micro-bumps, for interfacingwith an associated interface circuitry segment 120A-120D. In manyexamples, the contacts 126 will be arranged in one or more arraysconfigured to engage a respective device mounting site comprisingcontacts 128 of an interface circuitry segment 120A-120D of interposer106A.

In some examples, the vertically interconnected memory die 108A-108H maybe interconnected through an array of TSVs extending essentiallylinearly and vertically through the stacked memory die 108-108H (thoughnot necessarily through the uppermost stacked memory die 108H), asdepicted at 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E. In one of many alternateconfigurations some TSVs through individual die may be cross-connectedto interleave vertical connections through the stacked memory die. Forexample, in one such embodiment, as depicted, the conductive paths mayalternate between TSV paths in alternate die within the stack, asschematically depicted at 124, in conductive paths 122F-122G. Other,more complex, interleaved conductive paths may also be implemented. Insome examples, one or more of the conductive paths as will connect toeach of the stacked memory die; while in other examples a verticalconductive path may only electrically connect to communicate with othercircuitry in a subset of the stacked memory die. For example, in thecontext of memory device 118 some TSVs might extend directly through thelowermost memory die 108A-108D without connecting with other circuitry;and form electrical interconnections with circuitry only in the upperhalf of the stacked memory die 108E-108H. In other examples, TSVs mightform electrical connections only with alternating die within a stack ofmemory die.

Additionally, individual memory die 108A-108H, or some portion thereof,may each contain multiple partitions (as indicated at 130A-130H onmemory die 108H). Some or all of memory die 108A-108H may be partitionedsimilarly. These partitions (or some subset thereof), may be verticallyinterconnected with corresponding partitions of other memory devices inthe stack through the above discussed vertical connections, forming anindependently operable memory unit. In some examples, the memory unitcan include two or more vertically aligned partitions; and in someexamples may include vertically aligned partitions from all memory diein the stack. As indicated in partition 130A, each partition may befurther subdivided into multiple banks or other subdivisions, such asindividual memory channels. As one example, four banks (as indicated at132A-132D, defining four banks} are formed within partition 130A, witheach bank including further subdivided units, for example representingindividual memory channels (indicated typically at 134). In someexamples, these further subdivisions will be vertically interconnectedin the same manner as described for the partitions to include portionsof memory in multiple, or all, memory die in the stack, which may thenbe operated as a group.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the figure depicts a simplified cross-sectionalrepresentation of an embodiment of interposer 200 suitable for use inimplementation of embodiments of the disclosure comprising assemblies ofmemory and a host device, for example a processor. Interposer 200includes a semiconductor core, which for purposes of the present examplewill be described as a silicon core 202 having multiple TSVs 204extending through silicon core 202. As is known to persons skilled inthe art, TSVs 204 each include a conductive structure, commonly a metal,extending within an insulator isolating the conductive structure fromthe surrounding silicon. By utilizing a silicon core 202, TSVs can bearranged in a more compact spacing than would be feasible with currentorganic interposer technology. In some examples, for example, TSVs maybe arranged at a pitch of 40 μm or less, for example, a pitch ofapproximately 20 μm. In many examples, the pitch of at least someportion of the TSVs will be sized to match a contact pitch of thesemiconductor die or other devices coupled to interposer 200. In suchexamples, the contact pitch of TSVs can correspond to the contactpitch(s) of the die or other device coupled to interposer 200. In thedepicted example, a conductive level (designated M1) extends “over” aside of core 202, conductive level M1 electrically insulated from thecore 202 by a respective dielectric level 208A (which may include one ormore dielectric materials). The term “over” is used in the presentdescription for clarity, and refers to the material or level beingrelatively outward from the core 202. As will be recognized by personsof skill in the art, the materials and structures to one side of thecore will typically be formed at different times, during which therespective side of the core over which a material is being formed willface directionally upward. Similarly, the to in “under” is used hereinto denote a structure closer to the core.

Conductive level M1 will in many examples be patterned to defineconductive traces 210, at least some of which will interconnect withrespective TSVs 204, as depicted. Some conductive traces 210 may notconnect with respective TSVs, and may just provide interconnection forconductive traces formed above conductive level M1. The term“redistribution layer” or “RDL” is used in the industry in multiplecontexts sometimes to refer to a single level of a multi-levelstructure, and sometimes to refer to the multi-level structure itself.Herein, for clarity, the term “redistribution layer” or “RDL” is used torefer to a respective dielectric level supporting a respective metallevel (as discussed below); and the term “redistribution structure” willbe used to refer to multiple overlying individual RDLs as a group.Redistribution structures as described herein may be fabricated usingBEOL techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art and maycorrespond in structure and function to BEOL structures B as previouslydescribed herein with respect to FIGS. 1B through 1D.

A first redistribution structure 214 may be formed over a first side ofcore 202. Redistribution structure 214 includes multiple respectiveredistribution layers (RDLs). Each of the multiple RDLs, in the example,redistribution structure 214 includes four RDLs, although the number ofRDLs is not so limited, and it is contemplated that a greater number ofRDLs, for example six RDLS, may be employed in a redistributionstructure to accommodate power and bias (e.g., ground) as well as signaltransmission. In redistribution structure 214, RDLs 218, 220, 222, 224,extend over a first side of core 202 and metal level M1 formed thereon.Each RDL includes a respective dielectric level 226, 228, 230, 232, eachdielectric level 226, 228, 230, 232 supporting a respective metal (orother conductive material) level M2, M3, M4, M5. Each metal level M1-M5will preferably be patterned to collectively form conductive traces toredistribute contacts of a semiconductor die or other microelectronicdevice or structure mounted to interposer 200 to desired locationswithin interposer 200. Of course, as noted above, a redistributionstructure in the form of four RDLs is by way of example only, and adifferent number of RDLs may be employed.

In some examples, all metal levels M1-M5 may be formed of the samemetal. In other examples, however, outermost metal level M5 willtypically form surfaces for connecting (directly or through aninterconnection structure} with complementary contact structures ofanother device. In the case of outermost metal level M5, the level willform surfaces suitable connecting with contacts of a semiconductor die,or other microelectronic device. As a result of the different functionsof these metal levels, and the likely exposure of the metal topotentially oxidizing environments after formation, in some examples oneor both of the outermost metal levels may be formed of anotherconductive material that oxidizes more slowly than the metal used forused for other levels. For example, for examples in which metal levelsM1-M4 are formed of copper, outermost metal level M5 may be formed ofaluminum. As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure, other conductive materials and/or othermetals may be used for any one or more of conductive levelscorresponding to metal levels M1-M5.

In many examples, the dielectric levels of the RDLs will compriseprimarily, or in significant part, a polyimide compound. In general, apolyimide compound will be more elastic, and less prone to cracking,than other dielectric materials used in other locations in semiconductormanufacturing (such as silicon oxide (in various forms), siliconnitride, etc.). Additionally, the polyimide material may be formed atlower temperatures than other materials used in build-up applications,thereby minimizing stress on core 202 during manufacture of interposer200.

Interposer 200 may further include circuitry 280 formed within thedimensions of core 202. In some embodiments, circuitry 280 may includepassive components (such as resistors, inductors, capacitors) that maybe formed, at least in part, in the bulk semiconductor (silicon) of core202. In other examples, the components may be formed, at least in part,of materials deposited in recesses formed in core 202. In some examples,the passive components may be formed entirely within the dimensions ofthe core. In such examples, individual circuit elements may connectoutside of the core through interconnection to one or more TSVs 204extending through core 202, or through one or more micro-vias 282 formedas a portion of M1 formed over the upper surface of core 202, andextending through dielectric level 208A over the first surface of core202. In some cases, multiple passive components may be connected to oneanother. For example, resistors and capacitors may be coupled togetherto form a resistor/capacitor circuit. As one example, such aresistor/capacitor circuit, or an inductor, may be coupled and adaptedto condition signals on conductive traces extending through one or moreof the RDL layers of redistribution structure 214.

In embodiments of the disclosure, active circuit components may belocated within the dimensions of core 202. Many forms of circuitryincluding active components will beneficially be formed with one or morebodies within the bulk silicon of core 202, with one or more additionalbodies formed in materials extending over core 202. In many forms ofsuch devices, regions of silicon core 202 may be isolated from oneanother by shallow trench isolation in silicon core 202; and isolatedregions of silicon core 202 may be doped relative to the remainingsilicon of silicon core 202. Specifically, and as noted above, interfacecircuitry segments 120A-120D may be formed within or over core 202. Inaddition, as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-I D, cache memory in theform of SRAM may be formed within and over core 202 at least partiallyunder the footprint of processor 102.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, TSVs 204 extend from metal level M1through core 202 of interposer 200, for connecting individual circuitelements outside of core 202, but also for connecting metal levels M2-M5and, therefore, data, power and bias (e.g., ground) signals to and frommicroelectronic devices, such as memory and processor, mounted tointerposer 200 and connected by contacts 126 (FIG. 1E) to metal levelM5. TSVs 204 extend through core 202 from metal level M1 and throughdielectric level 208B to another metal level M6 opposite M1, metal levelM6 comprising conductive pads 216.

By way of example only, the semiconductor material core 202 ofinterposer 200 may be of a thickness of about 50 μm or less, for exampleabout 30 μm. TSVs 204 may be of a diameter of about 5 μm. Fabrication ofactive and passive circuitry 280 may be effected by techniques known tothose of ordinary skill in the art of semiconductor device fabrication,for example memory device fabrication. Redistribution structure 214,comprising multiple RDLs 218, 220, 222 and 22 may be fabricated by BEOLtechniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art of semiconductordevice fabrication. Similarly, TSVs 204 may be initially fabricated inthe form of blind holes, for example of about 65 μm depth insemiconductor core of a greater thickness, for example a partiallythinned wafer of about 100 μm thickness, the blind ends revealed bythinning of the core, and back side pads (i.e., conductive pads 216)formed on the revealed ends by blanket conductive material depositionand patterning, all as known to those of ordinary skill in the art ofsemiconductor device fabrication. Such dimensions and processingtechniques are equally applicable to all of the interpose embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

Notably, another interposer 200 may be fabricated for stacking with andconnection to the interposer 200 described above for connection to thatinterposer 200 in a same or in an “inverted” orientations with differentpatterns of metal levels M1-M5 and conductive pads 216 for stacking withthe other interposer 200 to provide a redistribution structurecomprising eight (8) metal levels, as well as additional passive andactive circuitry as described above, which passive and active circuitrymay be the same as, or different from, the circuitry employed in thefirst interposer, the stacked interposers 200 being connected throughconductive elements extending between conductive pads 216. If a secondinterposer 200 is fabricated for connection to a first interposer 200 ina similar orientation (i.e., redistribution structures facing in thesame direction), conductive pads 216 of the second interposer 200 may beemployed for connection of the assembly to higher-level packaging, suchas a motherboard. When an interposer is configured for use in aninverted orientation, unlike an interposer 200 configured for directconnection of microelectronic devices, the metal level M5 of theredistribution structure of the inverted interposer may be configuredwith conductive pads for connection to higher-level packaging, forexample a motherboard, while metal level M6 is employed for connectionsto the first interposer 200. In either implementation, the patterns ofTSVs through the cores 202 of respective first and second interposers200 may also be the same or different if, for example conductive pads216 may be employed with circuit traces to reroute signals between afirst interposer and a second interposer having mutually offset TSVs.

By way of further elaboration, and with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, afirst embodiment of stacked interposers 200 with redistributionstructures 214 facing in the same direction, and a microelectronicdevice assembly 300 incorporating same, will be described. Elementspreviously described with FIG. 2 are identified with the same or similarreference numerals for convenience.

Referring to FIG. 3A, a first interposer 200D1 of a first redistributionstructure configuration comprising four RDLs 218, 220, 222, 224 and,optionally, a first passive and active circuitry configuration, isdepicted above a second interposer 200D2 with a second redistributionstructure comprising four RDLs 218, 220, 222, 224 and, optionally,second passive and active circuitry configuration. In both interposersas illustrated, first metal level M1 (see FIG. 2) has been omitted forclarity. Upper interposer 200D1 comprises a semiconductor (e.g.,silicon) core 202, over which a redistribution structure 214 comprisingfour RDLs 218, 220, 222, 224 has been fabricated. Circuitry 280,comprising passive circuitry, active circuitry, or both may, optionally,be located within core 202 under redistribution structure 214. TSVs 204extend from redistribution structure 214 through core 202 and throughdielectric level 208B to conductive pads 216.

Still referring to FIG. 3A, lower interposer 200D1 comprises asemiconductor (e.g., silicon) core 202, over which a redistributionstructure 214 comprising four RDLs 218, 220, 222, 224 has beenfabricated on an upper side thereof, the redistribution structures 214of both upper interposer 200D1 and lower interposer 200D2 are facing inthe same direction. The conductive paths of RDLs 218, 220, 222, 224 ofredistribution structure 214 of lower interposer 200D2 are differentfrom that of redistribution structure 214 of upper interposer 200D1, andcooperatively configured for signal and, optionally, power and groundtransmission. Circuitry 280, comprising passive circuitry, activecircuitry, or both may, optionally be located within core 202 underredistribution structure 214. TSVs 204 extend from redistributionstructure 214 through core 202 and through dielectric level 208B toconductive pads 216.

Referring to FIG. 3B, interposer 200D1 is stacked over interposer 200D2,and physically and electrically connected thereto by conductive elements230 bonded to conductive pads 216 of interposer 200D1 and conductivepads of metal level M5 of interposer 200D2 to form stacked interposerstructure 200S. Conductive elements 230 may, for example, comprisesolder-capped copper pillars bonded to conductive pads in a reflowprocess, copper pillars bonded to copper pads in a diffusion bondingprocess, solder balls reflowed, gold stud bumps, oxide bonding (alsotermed oxide bonding, involving Cu—Cu diffusion bonds and covalentbonding of oxide passivation materials in the bond line, or othersuitable direct chip attach technique. It is contemplated thatconductive elements 230 may be employed with a non-conductive film (NCF)240 interposed between interposer 200D1 and interposer 200D2 or,alternatively, a wafer level underfill (WLUF).

FIG. 3C depicts a microelectronic device assembly 300 of stacked andinterconnected interposers 200D1 and 200D2 comprising stacked interposerstructure 200S and having mounted thereto microelectronic devices andconfigured for connection to higher level packaging. Microelectronicdevices include, by way of example only, a memory stack 302 of highbandwidth-configured DRAM die mounted on and operably coupled tointerposer 200D1 of microelectronic device assembly 300. As notedpreviously, any suitable number of DRAM die may be incorporated inmemory stack 302, for example four, eight, twelve, sixteen, thirty-twoor sixty-four DRAM die. As depicted in FIGS. 1A-1D, more than one stackof memory die, and of more than one type, may be mounted tomicroelectronic device assembly 300. A processor 304 may also be mountedon and connected to interposer 200D1 of microelectronic device assembly300. Processor 304 may comprise, for example, a graphics processing unit(GPU), a central processing until (CPU), a controller, or a system on aChip (SoC). Memory stack 302 and processor 304 may each be physicallyand electrically connected to conductive pads 250 of metal level M5 ofinterposer 200D1 by, for example, solder-capped copper pillars,diffusion-bonded conductive pillars, solder bumps, micro bumps, or anyother suitable conductive elements 306. Conductive elements 260 in theform of, for example, solder balls residing on conductive pads 216 ofinterposer 200D2 may be employed for connection of microelectronicdevice assembly 300 to higher-level packaging. Prior to application orformation of conductive elements 260, assembly 300 may be encapsulatedwith a dielectric molding compound, as known to those of ordinary skillin the art.

By way of further elaboration, and with reference to FIGS. 3D-3F, asecond embodiment of stacked interposers 200 with redistributionstructures facing in opposing directions, and a microelectronic deviceassembly incorporating same, will be described. Elements previouslydescribed with FIG. 2 are identified with the same or similar referencenumerals for convenience.

Referring to FIG. 3D, a first interposer 200D1′ of a firstredistribution structure configuration comprising four RDLs 218, 220,222, 224 and, optionally, a first passive and active circuitryconfiguration, is depicted above a second interposer 200D2′ with asecond redistribution structure comprising four RDLs 218, 220, 222, 224and, optionally, second passive and active circuitry configuration.Upper interposer 200D1′ comprises a semiconductor (e.g., silicon) core202, over which a redistribution structure 214 comprising four RDLs 218,220, 222, 224 has been fabricated. Circuitry 280, comprising passivecircuitry, active circuitry, or both may, optionally be located withincore 202 under redistribution structure 214. TSVs 204 extend fromredistribution structure 214 through core 202 and through dielectriclevel 208B to conductive pads 216.

Still referring to FIG. 3D, lower interposer 200D2′ comprises asemiconductor (e.g., silicon) core 202, over which a redistributionstructure 214 comprising four RDLs 218, 220, 222, 224 has beenfabricated on a lower side thereof, so that redistribution structures214 of interposer 200D1′ and 200D2′ are facing in opposing directions.The conductive paths of RDLs 218, 220, 222, 224 of redistributionstructure 214 of lower interposer 200D2′ are different from that ofredistribution structure 214 of upper interposer 200D1, andcooperatively configured for signal and, optionally, power and groundtransmission. Circuitry 280, comprising passive circuitry, activecircuitry, or both may, optionally be located within core 202 overredistribution structure 214. TSVs 204 extend from redistributionstructure 214 through core 202 and through dielectric level 208B toconductive pads 216.

Referring to FIG. 3E, interposer 200D1′ is stacked over interposer200D2′, and physically and electrically connected thereto by conductiveelements 230 bonded to conductive pads 216 of interposer 200D1′ andconductive pads 216 of interposer 200D2′ to form stacked interposerstructure 200S′. Conductive elements 230 may, for example, comprisesolder-capped copper pillars bonded to conductive pads in a reflowprocess, copper pillars bonded to copper pads in a diffusion bondingprocess, reflowed solder balls, gold stud bumps, oxide bonding oxidebonding (also termed oxide bonding, involving Cu—Cu diffusion bonds andcovalent bonding of oxide passivation materials in the bond line, orother suitable direct chip attach technique. It is contemplated thatconductive elements 230 may be employed with a non-conductive film (NCF)240 interposed between interposer 200D1′ and interposer 200D2′ or,alternatively, a wafer level underfill (WLUF). Notably, the conductivepaths in redistribution structures 214 of interposers 200D1′ and 200D2′(and thus of stacked interposer structure 200S′) may be different fromthose in redistribution structures 214 of interposers 200D1 and 200D2(and thus of stacked interposer structure 200S), as will one or more ofthe number, spacing and pattern of TSVs 204 interconnecting the stackedinterposers 200. Similarly, the type, number and locations of passiveand active circuitry may differ between stacked interposer structures200S and 200S′.

FIG. 3F depicts a microelectronic assembly 300′ of stacked andinterconnected interposers 200D1′ and 200D2′ having mounted theretomicroelectronic devices and configured for connection to higher levelpackaging. Microelectronic devices include, by way of example only, amemory stack 302 of high bandwidth-configured DRAM die mounted on andoperably coupled to interposer 200D1′ of assembly 300′. As notedpreviously, any suitable number of DRAM die may be incorporated inmemory stack 302, for example four, eight, twelve, sixteen, thirty-twoor sixty-four DRAM die. As depicted in FIGS. 1A-1D, more than one stackof memory die, and of more than one type, may be mounted tomicroelectronic device assembly 300. A processor 304 may also be mountedon and connected to interposer 200D1′ of assembly 300. Processor 304 maycomprise, for example, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a centralprocessing until (CPU), a controller, or a system on a Chip (SoC).Memory stack 302 and processor 304 may each be physically andelectrically connected to conductive pads 250 of metal level M5 ofinterposer 200D1′ by, for example, solder-capped copper pillars,diffusion-bonded conductive pillars, solder bumps, or any other suitableconductive elements 306. Conductive elements 260 in the form of, forexample, solder balls residing on conductive pads 270 of metal level M5of interposer 200D2′ may be employed for connection of microelectronicdevice assembly 300′ to higher-level packaging. Prior to application orformation of conductive elements 260, assembly 300′ may be encapsulatedwith a dielectric molding compound, as known to those of ordinary skillin the art.

In embodiments depicted and described with respect to each of FIGS.3A-3C and FIGS. 3D-3F, respectively, the circuitry, including traces,vias, active circuitry (if present) and passive circuitry (if present)in each cooperative combination of two stacked interposers comprisingstacked interposer structures 200S and 200S′ is designed to function asa single interposer, for example a single interposer having a core withredistribution structures on opposing sides thereof and operably coupledby conductive vias extending through the core and between theredistribution structures. However, embodiments of the stackedinterposer designs of the present disclosure are far easier and lesscostly to fabricate, employing techniques already in use to fabricateactive and passive circuitry in and on a semiconductor wafer andredistribution structures in the form of multiple RDLs on the waferactive surface. In addition, utilization of embodiments of the presentdisclosure may enhance throughput while increasing yield. For someexamples, it will be desirable to form stacked interposers 200 with thesame number of multiple RDLs in redistribution structures 214. Asdiscussed later herein, in some examples the symmetrical structure mayalso be beneficial to conveying signals in multiple conductive channels(e.g., in some examples, with a first conductive channel implemented atleast in part through metal levels M2-M5 in first redistributionstructure 214, and a second conductive channel implemented at least inpart through metal levels M2-M5 of second redistribution structure 214).Also, there may be an unequal number of RDLs on each interposer 200, andindividual RDLs may have vertical dimensions different than other RDLs.Further, it is contemplated that more than two interposers 200 may bestacked in various cooperative configurations and orientations ininstances where height limitations of an assembly incorporating stackedinterposers are not an issue. In addition, it is contemplated that RDLsof respective interposers may be engineered to minimize warpage of theinterposers, and that the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3C may enable mirroringof any warpage (i.e., warping in the same direction) of the stackedinterposers to minimize stress within the interposer cores.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the figure depicts a block diagramrepresentation of an example configuration for a stacked interposerstructure 400, including example optional circuit componentry may beformed in accordance with the description herein. Stacked interposerstructure 400 is analogous to interposers 106A and 106B of FIG. 1A, inthat the upper surface of the upper interposer of the stack definesmetallization configured to form processor interfaces 402A, 402B, 402C,402D for four memory devices, as part of a processor interface operablycoupled to SRAM 410 located under the footprint of processor 404 andadditionally configured for external communication to other devices.Each processor interface 402A, 402B, 402C, 402D may communicate data,command, and control signals between the memory devices and theprocessor through cache memory in the form of SRAM 410 to and through arespective communication channel 406A, 406B, 406C, 406D extending tofour memory interfaces 408A, 408B, 408C, 408D corresponding to interfacecircuitry segments 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D as described with respect toFIGS. 1A-1E. The particular configuration of metallization for eachprocessor interface 402A, 402B, 402C, 402D, and also the contact arrayof each memory interface 408A, 408B, 408C, 408D can be adapted to adesired configuration, such as may be dictated by a standardizedinterface.

The ability to configure an interposer to include active and/or passivecircuit components facilitates the forming of logic structures such asinterface circuitry segments 120A-120D and/or additional structures, forexample cache memory in the form of SRAM 410, within the interposer tosimplify incorporating such circuit components into the microelectronicdevice assembly to be formed with interposers of the stacked interposerstructure 400. In addition to cache memory, such as SRAM 410, anotherform of memory 412 may be formed within or over core 202, such as, byway of example only, any of DRAM, ferroelectric random-access memory(FeRAM), phase change memory (PCM), 3D XPoint™ memory, NAND flashmemory, NOR flash memory, resistive random-access memory (ReRAM orRRAM), or other memory types known to persons skilled in the art, and/ora combination thereof.

Additionally, logic structures in addition to those of interfacecircuitry segments 120A-120D may be formed in interposers of the stackedinterposer structure 400. Such logic structures may be in the form ofField-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) 414, or other types of logic 416.Additionally, configuration circuitry, as may be used to tune or trimcircuits or to enable or disable circuit components, such as fuses oranti-fuses, can be formed in interposers of stacked interposer structure400. And, as discussed previously passive circuit components 420, suchas, for example components to condition signals traversing interposersof stacked interposer structure 400 may also be formed.

For clarity of the block diagram representation, the different circuitcomponents are depicted surrounding, but offset from, processor 404.However, the ability to incorporate such circuit components intointerposers of stacked interposer structure 400 facilitates placing thecircuit components in a desired location within stacked interposerstructure 400, such as placement of cache memory in the form of 410under the footprint of processor 404 and interface circuitry segments120A-120D, as better illustrated in FIGS. 1B, 1C and 1D. Any of theabove memory, logic, or configuration circuitry may communicate throughconnected TSVs to the opposite side of an upper interpose of stackedinterposer structure 400 and, as applicable to a lower interposerthereof.

Accordingly, stacked interposer structure 400 depicts, in schematicform, the various features that may be incorporated into a combinationof stacked interposers, for example stacked interposers 200D1 and D2 andstacked interposers 200D1′ and 200D2′, respectively. In each instance,the various circuit components shown on a single level in FIG. 4 may bedistributed among the two cooperative redistribution structures 214 ofeach two-interposer stacked interposer structure 200S, 200S′, and activeand passive circuitry may be fabricated on one or both cores 202 ofstacked interposer structure 200S, 200S′, to operate in combination withthe circuitry of the redistribution structures 214 and with TSVs 204extending through the respective cores 202.

The incorporation of logic gates and memory into the structure ofdescribed interposers was previously identified. As was described, formany such structures, particularly those including active components,forming one or more bodies of the components in the silicon of theinterposer core may be desirable, with one or more bodies of thecomponents formed in materials formed over the core. An example mannerof a structure incorporating such active components and relatedstructures into the interposer core will be discussed in reference toFIG. 5.

FIG. 5 depicts a portion of an example interposer 500 including circuitelements, including logic gates as previously discussed in reference tointerposer 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 depicts a logic structure 502 formedabove silicon core 522. The levels of a redistribution structurecomprising metal levels M2-M5 of RDL layers 532, 534, 536 and 538 havebeen enlarged for clarity, as has logic structure 502 and componentsthereof. In the depicted example, logic structure 502 includes coupledtransistors 504, 506. Each transistor 504, 506 includes source/drainregions 508, 510, 512 formed by doping selected regions of silicon core522. In some examples, in which such transistor gates are to be formed,it may be desirable to remove at least a portion of dielectric level 520formed over silicon core 522, in order to form another dielectricmaterial, indicated at 514, optimized to form a gate oxide for thetransistors. In regions outside the logic gates, dielectric level 520may remain intact. In some examples, it may be advantageous to isolateportions of silicon core 522 adjacent one or more circuit components,such as by forming shallow trench isolation, as indicated at 516 withinsilicon core 522. Forming of transistors 504, 506 can include formingone or more conductive gate materials 524, 526 (such as, for example,doped polysilicon) over the gate oxide 514; and isolating the sidewallsof the gates with spacers, as depicted. Also, as discussed previously,electrical connection between circuitry can be made with one or moreconductive levels, such as one or more logic metal (LM) materials withinthe logic region. In order to provide a planar surface on which to formthe previously-described RDLs, where, as in the example, the circuitcomponents extend above the surface of silicon core 522, an insulatingmaterial 530, for example such as TEOS, may be formed above the logiccircuitry and planarized. On the opposing side of core 522; conductivepads 542 are connected to the above-described circuitry through TSVs540.

The microelectronic device assemblies 300, 300′ incorporating stackedinterposer structures according to embodiments of the disclosure may beused in embodiments of electronic systems of the disclosure. Forexample, FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an illustrative electronic system600 according to embodiments of disclosure. The electronic system 600includes at least one electronic device fabricated in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure. The electronic device may comprise, forexample, a memory device 602 comprising an embodiment of one or more ofthe microelectronic device assemblies 300, 300′ previously describedherein, such as an HBM assembly comprising a stack of DRAM dice. Theelectronic system 600 may further include a host device in the form of aprocessor device 604 such as, for example, a GPU, a CPU, a controller,an FPGA or a SoC incorporated in the microelectronic device assembly300, 300′. The electronic system 600 may further include one or moreinput devices 606 for inputting information into the electronic system600 by a user, such as, for example, a mouse or other pointing device, akeyboard, a touchpad, a button, or a control panel. The electronicsystem 600 may further include one or more output devices 608 foroutputting information (e.g., visual or audio output) to a user such as,for example, a monitor, a display, a printer, an audio output jack, aspeaker, etc. In some embodiments, the input device 606 and the outputdevice 608 may comprise a single touchscreen device that can be usedboth to input information to the electronic system 600 and to outputvisual information to a user. The input device 606 and the output device608 may communicate electrically with one or both of the processordevice 604 and the memory device 602 in microelectronic device assembly300, 300′.

Electronic system 600 may be a computer, a server, a laptop computer, anotebook computer, a Wi-Fi or cellular-enabled tablet computer such asan iPad® or SURFACE® tablet, a mobile phone, a wearable electronicdevice, a personal electronic device, a digital camera, a portable media(e.g., music, video) player, a navigation device, or the like.Similarly, electronic system 600 may be a portion or subcomponent ofsuch a device. In some examples, electronic system 600 is an aspect of acomputer with high reliability, mission critical, or low latencyconstraints or parameters, such as a vehicle (e.g., an autonomousautomobile, airplane, a spacecraft, or the like). Electronic system 600may be or include logic for artificial intelligence (AI), augmentedreality (AR), or virtual reality (VR) applications.

In embodiments, a stacked interposer structure comprises a firstinterposer comprising a first core comprising a semiconductor material afirst redistribution structure comprising multiple redistribution layers(RDLs) over a side of the first core and a first set of through siliconvias (TSVs) extending from the first redistribution structure throughthe first core to an opposite side of the first core and a secondinterposer comprising a second core comprising a semiconductor materiala second redistribution structure comprising multiple redistributionlayers (RDLs) over a side of the second core a second set of throughsilicon vias (TSVs) extending from the second redistribution structurethrough the second core to an opposite side of the second core. Thefirst and second redistribution structures are operably coupled throughat least one of the first set of TSVs and the second set of TSVs.

In embodiments, a microelectronic device assembly comprises a stackedinterposer structure comprising multiple interconnected interposers,each interposer having a semiconductor core and a redistributionstructure on one side thereof, at least one host device and at least onememory device mounted on, and operably coupled to, a redistributionstructure of one of the multiple interconnected interposers, andcircuitry of the stacked interposer structure operably coupling the atleast one host device and the at least one memory device and extendingto a side of the stacked interposer structure opposite the at least onehost device and the at least one memory device for connection to higherlevel packaging.

In embodiments, an interposer comprises a silicon core comprising atleast one of active circuitry and passive circuitry over a single activesurface of the silicon core, a redistribution structure comprising atleast four redistribution layers (RDLs) located over the activecircuitry and the passive circuitry, and through silicon vias (TSVs)operably coupled to at least the redistribution structure and extendingthrough the silicon core to a side thereof opposite the redistributionsstructure.

In embodiments, a stacked interposer structure comprises twointerposers, one stacked above another and each having a redistributionstructure comprising multiple redistribution layers (RDLs), theredistribution structures operably coupled through TSVs extendingthrough a semiconductor core of at least one of the two interposers, theredistribution structure of one of the two interposers configured foroperably coupling to a host device and a memory device and theredistribution structure of each of the two interposers comprisingdifferent conductive paths configured as operably coupled, incombination, to cooperatively function as a single redistributionstructure comprising the combined number of multiple redistributionlayers of the two interposers.

In embodiments, an electronic system comprises an input device, anoutput device, the electronic system further comprising a processordevice and at least one memory device operably coupled to aredistribution structure of an interposer comprising a semiconductorcore, the redistribution structure of the interposer operably coupled toanother redistribution structure of another interposer at least bythrough silicon vias (TSVs) extending from the redistribution structureof the interposer through the semiconductor core to a side thereofopposite the redistribution structure, the input device and the outputdevice operably coupled to the processor through conductive paths of theanother interposer.

In embodiments, a method comprises providing two interposers each havinga redistribution structure comprising multiple redistribution layers(RDLs) over a semiconductor core, conductive paths of the multipleredistribution layers (RDLs) of the redistribution structurescooperatively configured to function as a single redistributionstructure consisting of a total number of redistribution layers (RDLs)of the two interposers, and electrically connecting the conductive pathsof the redistribution layers (RDLs) of the two interposers through TSVsextending through at least one of the semiconductor cores.

While certain illustrative embodiments have been described in connectionwith the figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize andappreciate that embodiments encompassed by the disclosure are notlimited to those embodiments explicitly shown and described herein.Rather, many additions, deletions, and modifications to the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the scope ofembodiments encompassed by the disclosure, such as those hereinafterclaimed, including legal equivalents. In addition, features from onedisclosed embodiment may be combined with features of another disclosedembodiment while still being encompassed within the scope of thedisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A stacked interposer structure, comprising: afirst interposer comprising: a first core comprising a semiconductormaterial; a first redistribution structure comprising multipleredistribution layers (RDLs) over a side of the first core; and a firstset of through silicon vias (TSVs) extending from the firstredistribution structure through the first core to an opposite side ofthe first core; and a second interposer comprising: a second corecomprising a semiconductor material; a second redistribution structurecomprising multiple redistribution layers (RDLs) over a side of thesecond core; a second set of through silicon vias (TSVs) extending fromthe second redistribution structure through the second core to anopposite side of the second core; and the first and secondredistribution structures being operably coupled through at least one ofthe first set of TSVs and the second set of TSVs.
 2. The stackedinterposer structure of claim 1, wherein the first interposer and thesecond interposer are oriented with the first redistribution structureand the second redistribution structure facing in a common direction,and the first redistribution structure is operably coupled to the secondredistribution structure through the first set of TSVs.
 3. The stackedinterposer structure of claim 1, wherein the first interposer and thesecond interposer are oriented with the first redistribution structureand the second redistribution structure facing in opposite directions,and the first redistribution structure and the second redistributionstructure are operably coupled through both the first set of TSVs andthe second set of TSVs.
 4. The stacked interposer structure of claim 1,wherein the first redistribution structure is configured to operablycouple with at least two microelectronic devices mounted to the firstinterposer, and the first redistribution structure and the secondredistribution structure are cooperatively configured to, incombination, mutually operably couple the at least two microelectronicdevices and operably couple the at least two microelectronic devices tohigher-level packaging.
 5. The stacked interposer structure of claim 1,wherein the second interposer is configured, on a surface thereof facingaway from the first interposer, with conductive elements for operablycoupling the stacked interposer structure to higher-level packaging. 6.The stacked interposer structure of claim 1, wherein the firstinterposer and the second interposer are operably coupled with discreteconductive elements.
 7. The stacked interposer structure of claim 1,wherein at least one of the first interposer and the second interposercomprises at least one of passive circuitry and active circuitry over acore thereof, within the core thereof, or both.
 8. The stackedinterposer structure of claim 7, wherein the passive circuitry comprisesat least one of capacitors, resistors or inductors, and the activecircuitry comprises at least one of cache memory, other memory, logic,fuses, antifuses or a field programmable gate array.
 9. The stackedinterposer structure of claim 1, wherein the first redistributionstructure and the second redistribution structure comprise a same numberof RDLs.
 10. A microelectronic device assembly, comprising: a stackedinterposer structure comprising multiple interconnected interposers,each interposer having a semiconductor core and a redistributionstructure on one side thereof; at least one host device and at least onememory device mounted on, and operably coupled to, a redistributionstructure of one of the multiple interconnected interposers; andcircuitry of the stacked interposer structure operably coupling the atleast one host device and the at least one memory device and extendingto a side of the stacked interposer structure opposite the at least onehost device and the at least one memory device for connection to higherlevel packaging.
 11. The microelectronic device assembly of claim 10,wherein the at least one host device comprises a graphics processor unit(GPU), a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, or a system on achip (SoC), and the at least one memory device comprises at least one ofDRAM, SRAM, ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), Resistive RAM (RRam or ReRAM),phase change memory (PCM), 3D XPoint™ memory, NAND flash memory, orNORflash memory.
 12. The microelectronic device assembly of claim 10,wherein the at least one host device comprises a graphics processor unit(GPU) and the at least one memory device comprises a high bandwidthmemory device configured as a stack of high bandwidth DRAM die.
 13. Themicroelectronic device assembly of claim 12, wherein a core of one ofthe multiple interconnected interposers of the stacked interposerstructure comprises logic circuitry for interfacing with the highbandwidth memory device.
 14. The microelectronic device assembly ofclaim 10, wherein the multiple interconnected interposers areinterconnected by TSVs extending through the semiconductor core of atleast one of the multiple interconnected interposers.
 15. Themicroelectronic device assembly of claim 10, wherein at least one of themultiple interconnected interposers comprises at least one of passivecircuitry and active circuitry on a semiconductor core thereof.
 16. Themicroelectronic device assembly of claim 15, wherein the passivecircuitry comprises at least one of capacitors, resistors or inductors,and the active circuitry comprises at least one of cache memory, othermemory, logic, fuses, antifuses or a field programmable gate array. 17.The microelectronic device assembly of claim 10, wherein theredistribution structure of each of the multiple interconnectedinterposers comprises multiple redistribution layers (RDLs).
 18. Themicroelectronic device assembly of claim 17, wherein each redistributionstructure comprises a same number of redistribution layers (RDLs). 19.An interposer, comprising: a silicon core comprising; at least one ofactive circuitry and passive circuitry over an active surface of thesilicon core; a redistribution structure comprising at least fourredistribution layers (RDLs) located over the active circuitry and thepassive circuitry; and through silicon vias (TSVs) operably coupled toat least the redistribution structure and extending through the siliconcore to a side thereof opposite the redistributions structure.
 20. Theinterposer of claim 19, wherein an outermost RDL of the redistributionstructure is configured for mounting and operably coupling a host deviceand a memory device thereon.
 21. The interposer of claim 20, wherein theinterposer comprises active circuitry in the form of logic circuitry forinterfacing with the host device.
 22. A stacked interposer structurecomprising: two interposers, one stacked above another and each having aredistribution structure comprising multiple redistribution layers(RDLs), the redistribution structures operably coupled through TSVsextending through a semiconductor core of at least one of the twointerposers; the redistribution structure of one of the two interposersconfigured for operably coupling to a host device and a memory device;and the redistribution structure of each of the two interposerscomprising different conductive paths configured as operably coupled, incombination, to cooperatively function as a single redistributionstructure comprising the combined number of multiple redistributionlayers of the two interposers.
 23. An electronic system, comprising: aninput device, an output device, the electronic system furthercomprising: a processor device and at least one memory device operablycoupled to a redistribution structure of an interposer comprising asemiconductor core, the redistribution structure of the interposeroperably coupled to another redistribution structure of anotherinterposer at least by through silicon vias (TSVs) extending from theredistribution structure of the interposer through the semiconductorcore to a side thereof opposite the redistribution structure; the inputdevice and the output device operably coupled to the processor throughconductive paths of the another interposer.
 24. The electronic system ofclaim 23, wherein the at least one memory device comprises at least onestack of multiple high bandwidth memory die.
 25. A method, comprising:providing two interposers each having a redistribution structurecomprising multiple redistribution layers (RDLs) over a semiconductorcore, conductive paths of the multiple redistribution layers (RDLs) ofthe redistribution structures cooperatively configured to function as asingle redistribution structure consisting of a total number ofredistribution layers (RDLs) of the two interposers; and electricallyconnecting the conductive paths of the redistribution layers (RDLs) ofthe two interposers through TSVs extending through at least one of thesemiconductor cores.
 26. The method of claim 25, further comprisingorienting the two interposers with redistribution structures facing in acommon direction.
 27. The method of claim 25, further comprisingorienting the two interposers with redistribution structures facing inopposing directions.
 28. The method of claim 27, further comprisingelectrically connecting the conductive paths of the multiple RDLs of thetwo interposers through TSVs extending from respective redistributionlayers of each interposer through the semiconductor core thereof to thediscrete conductive elements.
 29. The method of claim 25, furthercomprising operably coupling a host device and at least one memorydevice to a redistribution layer of one of the two interposers.